Health alerts and warnings are posted periodically to provide the public with important information to protect their health. If the health problem is serious in nature, the Health Director will often conduct a news conference to provide a detailed explanation of the problem, and the measures necessary for the public to safeguard their health. Media outlets devote considerable time and space to assure that the public acquires the information needed to address periodic local health problems.
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)
SARS is a respiratory illness that has recently been reported in Asia, North America, Europe and a number of other countries. It is believed to be caused by a virus. Symptoms include fever, headache and body ache -- all of which mimic flu. A dry, nonproductive cough often develops after several days. Transmission from person-to-person appears to require direct or close contact. Nearly all cases have either been family members of ill people or health care workers.
The epidemic has fortunately peaked with very little illness being reported. For further information on this changing health problem, please visit the Web site of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Related Links.
Related Links:
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/sars/index.htm
CDC Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Site
NYSDOH SARS Clinician Updates
West Nile Virus
West Nile virus (WNV) is an illness transmitted by the bite of an infected mosquito. The illness is most serious for older people; healthy children and younger adults are at very low-risk for serious WNV infection.
Related Links:
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/index.htm
Rensselaer West Nile Virus Home Page
Anthrax
Anthrax spread through the US Mail System and the threat of Smallpox being used as a biological weapon have caused us to become familiar with a new word: Bioterrorism. The Public Health system -- federal, state, and local -- works jointly with numerous other organizations to prepare for such threats.
See Related Links for a thorough explanation of biological and chemical agents that criminals/ terrorists may try to use as weapons.
Related Links:
Bioterrorism
http://www.bt.cdc.gov/
Other Updates
Center for Disease Control - Spotlight on key health issues
CDC website - http://www.cdc.gov/
West Nile Virus: Fight the bite!
Smallpox Information: Comprehensive and Up-to-Date Information on Smallpox Disease and Vaccination.
Human Monkeypox in U.S.: Information about the outbreak.
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). The latest information about the disease.
Terrorism and Public Health: info for partners, professionals and the public.
News and Updates on health related issues from the New York State Department of Health
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